15. What counsel did the apostle John give concerning traveling evangelizers?

¹⁵ In his third letter the apostle John criticized Diotrephes because he refused to “receive the brothers with respect.” (3Jo Verse 10) These brothers were traveling Christians who went forth “in behalf of [Jehovah’s] name.”

16. How can all Christians today follow the example of Gaius in the “faithful work” he did for first-century evangelizers, and why is this proper?

¹⁶ Similarly today, the traveling overseers sent forth by the Governing Body to preach the good news and help the congregations should be received hospitably and with respect. These brothers and their wives (if they are married, as many of them are) have been willing to give up living in a fixed abode. They travel from place to place, often depending on the hospitality of the brothers for their food and a bed to sleep on. To Gaius, who lovingly took in traveling evangelizers in the first century C.E., John wrote: “Beloved one, you are doing a faithful work in whatever you do for the brothers, and strangers at that.” (3 John 5) Likewise today, those who travel ‘in behalf of Jehovah’s name’ deserve to be held dear and to be shown love and respect.

17. How should congregation elders show proper respect for visiting representatives of the Governing Body?

¹⁷ Elders, in particular, should show proper respect for these visiting representatives of the Governing Body. They are sent to the congregations because of their spiritual qualities and their experience, which is usually more extensive than that of many local elders. Some of these traveling overseers may be younger in years than certain elders in the congregations they visit. But that is not a valid reason to refuse them proper respect.